Train Collision in Bangladesh Kills at Least 17, Injures 50; Possible Signal Disobedience Under Investigation

Disregarded red light likely cause of disaster as freight train smashes into passenger train's rear carriages; train crew suspended amid ongoing investigations.

The collision between a freight train and an express passenger train in Bhairab, 50 miles northeast of Dhaka, resulted in the death of at least 17 people with another 50 injured.
Possible signal disobedience is being investigated as the cause, with a railway official reportedly indicating that a red light signal may have been disregarded by the freight train.
The most severe damage and casualties occurred in the rearmost three carriages of the passenger train, which were overturned in the collision.
A comprehensive rescue operation was launched with local fire service units, government forces, and local residents participating in the efforts.
The train crew, consisting of the driver, assistant driver and guard, have been suspended subsequent to the incident pending further investigation.
Train accidents are reportedly a common occurrence in Bangladesh due mainly to factors such as unsupervised railway crossings, poor signaling, and poor track conditions.